Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-12-07

NJ. T..
his hair and whiskers are sandy. He Is the son OF
the late Hon W. F. Dodge, who for many years
presided over the Evangelical Alliance.
PRESIDENT DoDGRs ADDRESS.
Mr.. Dodge after expressing appreciation OF the
hospitality OF the citizens OF the capital, stated
briefly the reasons leading to this conference.-the
need OF applying Christian truths 10 the study OF
the social and economic changes OF the day. An
Investigation that had been made, he said, had
shown vital Christian life and growing interest
in all Christian duties. IL has developed great
reserved force and unusual resources IN the
church, and power which II consecrated and de-
veloped, migh1eaSily change the whole character
at has shown" said Mr. Dodge, "a very large
proportion OF the population, the wealth and in-
teligence OF the land 10 be In nominal member
ship OF evangelical churches; power so great as
to be able to control and direct the best thought
OF the people, and TO guide all our institutions;
power which, If wisely directed, could bring to
bear upon ali social questions and all disturbing
elements the influence OF the simple teachings OF
Christ which we believe contain the solvent for
about a real brotherhood and mutual confidence
between all classes and conditions OF people.
"But all thoughtful men viii agree that at pres
ent the largest portion OF our Christian re ources
are unused; that many efforts are mlsdirected; !;
that a want OF organization and mutual under
standing causes much waste Of effort and money
that many modes OF work overlap each other; that
large spaces are untouched. Denominational
agencies are highly organized, but work largely
appear almost to care more for the furtherance OF
special views than for the building up OF the whole
church OF Christ Our voluntary system, with its
splendid results and adaptation to many peculiar
tiles OF our times has It's grave defects especially
in large cities, and needs careful study and re-
minissers is sadly Behind the needs especaiy y Of
those who have fitness and conservation for the
hard places, and for sympathetic contact with
startling fs rapidity. New and wonderful means OF
transportation are opening the whole land at once
to settlement; New communities les are M Mspringing up
are being established as rapidly.
Immigrants are pouring into the country In in
creasing volume. These new additions TO our
populat on are not absorbed and Americanized as
formerly, and are settling in masses in ou large
cities and new states-retainng language. habits
and traditions foreign TO our ideas, and rapidly
changing the character OF our people. The power
OF the saloons is highly organized, and notwith-
standing all the grand work done for the cause OF
temperance, claims to control legislatures and
laws secular unions and infidel clubs exist all
through the country, and exert baneful infiu-
Roman church embraces large portion OF our
people, and while we admire and respect IT'S re-
figious devotion and admirable Charities and have
nothing but kindness and regard for its individual
members, 1t still holds its first allegiance TO
foreign power, which claims the absolute right to
dangerous menance to the republic. Our cities
are growing In size and in influence beyond our
conception. They are becoming great manufac-
turing centers, drawing population from all sec
tions Of the interior OF our country, and from all
the world. Their condition Is not fully UNDER
their their religious care Is sadly inadequate. The
growing disregard OF the proper use Of the Ameri-
can Sunday, the loose opinions as to family ties,
the Increased licenti0usness, the materialism
of the age the absorption In money making, the In
creased luxury and enervatiOn In many classes,
the dying out OF religious Influences In sparsely
q change in the condition OF our land which de-
mands careful consideration. The American ideas
Of morality, frugal living, education, home life,
and respect for law, are changing rapidly and 1t
is the duty OF the Christian church TO lead the new
thought Of the times or certain disaster and pun
aOur country welcomes all to . new home and
conditions more favorable for happiness and ad-
come TO share it's privileges must understand that
the new civilization full OF promise 70 them is
founded on love Of God, respect for law, ana
SThs church must embody this high standard, not
only In its creeds bsa IN It's life. In some way
have failed in this, for the gravest and most I'm
pOrtant consideration which confronts US is the
fact that all over the country the artisan
nom the churcheS and IL gaining ITS instruction
and tnspiration from unwise leaders, almost In
varfably OF foreign birth, VINO argue from half
truths and unfair CONCLUSIONS Everywhere among
Workingmen Is unrest, Q looking for some one TO
show them higher good. A late author, himself
9 workiugman, says Of the artisan: He has BEEN
revolutionized In character passing nom simple
complex one, where he Is more sensitive TO social
disadvantages and more sensible of his power -
social factor OF the poorer class Of wortngmen
he says: Tt Is unquestt0nabiy true that poverty
is more inimical TO society to-day, more dangerous
TO social order, Freedom, und Democratic institu-
t10na than ever before
'Ar. lowell In has a1Mirable address on De